Based on patented technology, our unique ionic liquid electrospray thruster is the next big thing in small satellites propulsion.

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TECHNOLOGY

FROM NANOSCIENCE
TO NEWSPACE

The number of small satellites constellations in Low Earth Orbit is bound to skyrocket in the next decade to answer communication, earth observation, climate monitoring or military needs back on Earth.
Those satellites will require adequate propulsion systems to optimize their utilization and life-duration on orbit. ION-X develops and markets such propulsion systems: Simple, Efficient, and Powerful!

How does
it works?

01

The ionic liquid goes from the tank up to the emitters by capillarity.

02

A high-voltage electric potential is then applied to form a Taylor cone that will trigger the extraction of charged particles.

03

These particles are finally ejected at a very high speed through the extraction grid.

PHYSICAL PRINCIPLE

01

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PROdUcT

SIMPLE EFFICIENT POWERFUL

ION-X is currently developing a 1U plug-and-play thruster able to deliver unmatched thrust and fuel efficiency (ISP) while offering great operability with non-toxic & non-pressurized propellant. Our product will also allow satellites operators to adapt in real time the thrust and efficiency depending on the required orbital manoeuvers : high thrust & low ISP for orbit injection, low thrust & high ISP for station keeping. Our system will also be very well suited for end-of-life management or debris avoidance manoeuver. ION-X : your one-place shop to optimize the value of your assets on-orbit!

UNFAIR ADVANTAGES

01/

Unmatched thrust and ISP for THIS thruster class

02/

ADAPTIVE AND SCALABLE BASED ON MISSION REQUIREMENTS

03/

Fire on demand with no warmup period

04/

Furtive/stealtH technology with very low signature emissions

05/

Non-toxic Inert propellant with very limited pressure required

06/

NO EXTERNAL CATHODE REQUIRED TO NEUTRALIZE THE EXHAUST PLUME

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AMBITIONS

Following our on-orbit demonstration mission, we aim at putting our first thruster on the market by mid-2024. With production costs and manufacturing processes compatible with at-scale roll-out, ION-X will offer competitive lead-time for constellation projects by the end of 2024.

0%

COMPLETE

JANUARY 2022

1U qualification Model (QM1) performance validation

VALIDATED

DECEMBER 2022

Finalization of QM1 full engine design

VALIDATED

JULY 2023

Completion of structural qualification flight test campaign

VALIDATED

APRIL 2024

On orbit demonstration of Flight Model (FM1) performances

About us

OUR story

Launched in 2021, ION-X leverages decades of research on focused ion sources at CNRS. Started initially in the 80s for nanoelectronics application, these research activities allowed the development of the unique materials and manufacturing processes that are today at the heart of ION-X’s technological advantage. Currently located in the French Center of Nanoscience Expertise (C2N-CNRS), in Saclay, at the heart of one the biggest science hubs in the world, our team composed of engineers and scientists takes advantage of state-of-the-art research facilities. Our mission is bold: develop the most efficient propulsion system ever put in space!

CONTACT

You want to join our team of space propulsion enthusiasts? Partner with us for an in-orbit demonstration mission? Be among the first to procure a thruster with unmatched performances? Invest in ION-X and participate to the Newspace economy? Please reach-out to us, we will schedule a dedicated meeting within days!